Fera'wyn's Chocolate Cafe — Restaurant in Holly Springs

Ferawyns has an outstanding selection of gluten-free pastries, baked goods, and chocolates—truly some of the best I’ve found. Every item I’ve tried is a winner, and the quality is consistently top-notch.

That said, it’s hard to overlook the atmosphere created by the owner. I’ve been a loyal customer for some time now, and unfortunately, I’ve witnessed repeated moments where the staff are spoken to harshly and with open condescension, even in front of customers. The kitchen may not be soundproof, but you wouldn’t know it based on how freely negative comments are made—about both staff and patrons.

In one instance, I asked if a particular item was still available because I loved it and hoped to bring some home for my family. The staff member kindly checked, only to be met with a biting, “Of course they are asking that,” from the kitchen. The attitude was unmistakable—and unprovoked, only to be topped off with her coming out of the kitchen to glare at me and then go back.

It saddens me to see how the warmth of the front-of-house staff has shifted over time. Once cheerful and engaging, they now seem anxious and on edge. I can’t help but think how much stronger this business could be if the internal environment matched the joy and care poured into the food.

I want to keep supporting Ferawyns because the products truly shine. But I’d feel far better doing so if I knew the people behind the counter were being treated with the same respect and dignity their work deserves—and that Joana viewed customers as supporters rather than wallets that...

Update: back for the best eclair in NC!!! Maybe even the east coast. Real.custard Fluffy and crunchy just perfect!!! By far the best eclairs I've had. Even better than the french bakeries in NYC!!! I was on the fence because I've had so many dissapointments with poorly made eclairs but one of the ladies actually got a spoon of the custard for me to taste and it was amazing. I took my eclair home with some of their hot chocolate and it was heavenly. The chocolate topping on the eclair was perfectly crafted, eclair was flaky and the custard was just wonderful. My kids got chocolate chip cookies which were great! My hot chocolate was velvety smooth and perfectly made. Not too sweet. I am sold. I have found a new gem in Holly Springs. I've tried to come during the week but tgey don't open in...

This is an entirely gluten free bakery, coffee and chocolate shop. If you have celiac, gluten sensitivity or need to remove gluten from your diet for whatever reason, this place puts things such as eclairs, cookies, cupcakes, black forest cake and cinnamon rolls back on the menu for you, without any cross-contamination worries.

My doctor told me to stop eating gluten about 5 years ago, and I think everything in this bakery tastes delicious. But my husband (who can and does still eat gluten) has opinions that range from "pretty good" to "just okay." So, if you aren't gluten-free, the bakery offerings might not taste like what you're used to.

However, even if you don't go here for the pastries, the chocolates are really good, and my husband loves the boozy ones. I love...